Method and electronic system for controlling the propulsion modes of a boat

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a method for controlling the propulsion modes of a boat of the type comprising a power controlled motor, a group of sails and a first plurality of sensors of the wind conditions and of the motion conditions of the boat, the method being characterized in that it comprises the steps consisting in detecting a plurality of typical parameters of the wind conditions through the first plurality of sensors, verifying whether the plurality of typical parameters of the wind conditions so detected satisfies a predetermined set of extreme conditions for hoisting or lowering the group of sails, selecting at least one driving mode of the boat selected from a plurality of driving modes of the boat, when the group of sails is hoisted, and controlling the power controlled motor on the basis of the selected driving mode of the boat.

The present invention relates to a method and an electronic system for controlling the propulsion modes of a boat.

Over the last few years, in commercial and pleasure marine, the need of reducing the emissions for environmental reasons, as well as the need of reducing consumptions due to economic reasons, have given a considerable impulse to the analysis and design of hybrid propulsion means.

To this end, boats are known that are provided with an electric motor and with a thermal motor configured according to a so-called hybrid thermal-electric layout, which may be of the type in series or of the type in parallel or of the mixed type, according to the connection mode between the two motors.

In such boats, the switch from one propulsion mode to the other is automatically regulated on the basis of the cruising speed in order to maximize the energy efficiency.

However, it is clear that despite the energy optimization that can be obtained by the use of hybrid propulsion means, motor-driven navigation is not capable of fully meeting the requirements regarding economic and environmental sustainability.

The reduction of energy consumptions, in fact, is not always so significant as to generate a considerable saving in economic terms.

A partial solution to said drawbacks is given by the use of groups of sails for propulsive purposes together with the hybrid thermal-electric propulsion means.

The integration of such groups of sails with the traditional electric and/or thermal motors, in fact, allows accommodating the requirements in terms of environmental sustainability and limiting consumptions, with other typical features of motor boats, such as for example the possibility of estimating certain travelling times for a stretch.

However, it is clear that the contribution to the propulsion provided by sail systems depends on the wind conditions.

In order to estimate such contribution, sensors for detecting the wind speed and direction are advantageously provided on the boats currently known. In this way, on the basis on such detection, the sailor estimates the favourable time for hoisting and/or lowering said group of sails.

However, it is worth stressing that such estimate is not deterministic since it is dictated above all by the sailor's experience and intuition, which is particularly unfavourable for commercial marine navigation.

In fact, at high cruising speeds of a merchant ship it is always very difficult to understand if the wind force is sufficiently strong to allow hybrid sail-motor propulsion.

Inexact forecasts and/or estimates can cause considerable delays or in any case a non optimized propulsion from the energy point of view.

The object of the present invention is to obviate the drawbacks mentioned above and in particular that of devising a method for controlling the propulsion modes of a boat capable of managing the use of sail propulsion on a boat provided with a motor.

Another object of the present invention is to devise a method for controlling the propulsion modes of a boat that allows integrating the contribution to the propulsion provided by a group of sails and that provided by a motor.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an electronic system for controlling the propulsion modes of a boat that allows optimizing the energy consumption of the motor.

These and other objects according to the present invention are achieved by providing a method and an electronic system for controlling the propulsion modes of a boat as illustrated in the independent claims 1 and 13.

Further features of the method and of the electronic system for controlling the propulsion modes of a boat are object of the dependent claims.

The features and the advantages of a method and an electronic system for controlling the propulsion modes of a boat according to the present invention will appear more clearly from the following description, exemplifying and not limiting with reference to the annexed schematic drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a block diagram of a first embodiment of an electronic system for controlling the propulsion modes of a boat according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a second embodiment of the electronic system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a block diagram of a third embodiment of the electronic system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a flow chart relating to a first embodiment of a method for controlling the propulsion modes of a boat according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows a flow chart relating to a second embodiment of the method of FIG. 4.

With reference to the figures, an electronic system for controlling the propulsion modes of a boat according to the present invention is shown, globally indicated with reference numeral 10.

Such electronic system 10 is advantageously coupled with a boat 20 of the type comprising a power controlled motor 21, a group of sails 22, a mobile centreboard 24 and a first plurality of sensors 23 of the wind and motion conditions of the same boat 20. In detail, the power controlled motor 21 can be an electric motor or a thermal motor, as well as a hybrid thermal-electric motor, comprising both an electric motor and a thermal motor.

The first plurality of sensors 23 of the wind conditions and of the motion conditions of the boat preferably comprises anemometric sensors capable of detecting the direction or the incidence angle AWA and the apparent speed of the wind AWS, as well as speed sensors capable of detecting the navigation speed BS of boat 20.

The electronic system 10 for controlling the propulsion modes of a boat comprises a central processing and controlling unit 11 connected to the first plurality of sensors 23 of the wind conditions and of the motion conditions of the boat.

Such central processing and control unit 11 therefore is capable of receiving and processing the data detected by the first plurality of sensors 23 in order to calculate the actual speed TWS and the actual direction TWA of the wind.

Preferably, the connection between the central processing and control unit 11 and the first plurality of sensors 23 is wired but it may also be obtained by air through two two-way radio means by air (not shown), coupled the one with the central processing and control unit 11 and the other with the first plurality of sensors 23.

The electronic system 10 for controlling the propulsion modes of a boat further comprises means for generating a signal 13 connected to the central processing and control unit 11.

In detail, the means for generating a signal 13 are capable of producing an output signal for warning a user in order to indicate the instant when it is advantageous to hoist or lower the group of sails 22 on the basis of the data regarding speed TWS and real direction TWA of the wind.

If boat 20 also comprises means (not shown) for controlling the group of sails 22 capable of hoisting or lowering the same sails 22, the means for generating a signal 13 are capable of producing in output an actuating signal for the above control means for hoisting or lowering the group of sails 22.

The electronic system 10 for controlling the propulsion modes of a boat also comprises interface means for a user 14 advantageously coupled with the central processing and control unit 11.

The interface means for a user 14 allow the user to select, on the basis on his/her navigation needs, at least one driving mode of boat 20 from a plurality of driving modes of boat 20 memorized in memorization means 30 comprised within the electronic system 10 and connected to the processing and control unit 11.

In detail, the plurality of driving modes of boat 20 comprises at least one driving mode at a guaranteed minimum navigation speed VMNG, one driving mode at a guaranteed minimum navigation time TMN and one driving mode at a guaranteed minimum travel distance DMN.

If the driving mode at a guaranteed minimum navigation speed VMNG is selected, the user sets the value of the guaranteed minimum speed VMNG through the interface means for a user 14. Such driving mode allows keeping the navigation speed of boat 20 at a value greater than or equal to the guaranteed minimum speed VMNG set.

If the driving mode at a guaranteed minimum navigation time TMN is selected, the user sets the value of a minimum speed VMN′ and of a guaranteed minimum time TMN through the interface means for a user 14. Such driving mode ensures that the navigation of boat 20 continues by the guaranteed minimum time TMN set.

If the driving mode at a guaranteed minimum travel distance DMN is selected, the user sets the value of a minimum speed VMN′ and of a guaranteed minimum distance DMN through the interface means for a user 14. Such driving mode ensures that boat 20 travels the guaranteed minimum distance DMN set.

If the power controlled motor 21 comprises an electric motor with generator functionalities, the plurality of driving modes of boat 20 also comprises a driving mode with a minimum speed of electric power generation (VMG), which indicates the speed of boat 20 above which the generator functionality of the electric motor is actuated. It is stressed that the driving mode at minimum speed of electric power generation VMG may only be selected if the driving mode at guaranteed minimum speed VMNG has been selected in advance. In that case, in fact, the user sets the value of the minimum speed of generation VMG that is greater than the value of the guaranteed minimum speed VMNG; in this way, the generator functionality of the electric motor is only actuated when the propulsion due to the wind is sufficient for exceeding both the guaranteed minimum speed VMNG and the minimum speed of electric power generation VMG. The driving mode at minimum speed of electric power generation VMG, therefore, allows recovering electric energy if the propulsive force of the wind is sufficient for moving boat 20 according to the driving mode at guaranteed minimum speed VMNG.

If the power controlled motor 21 is of the hybrid thermal-electric type, the plurality of driving modes of boat 20 further comprises a driving mode at an optimized energy efficiency ηHYB of the power controlled motor 21. Such driving mode at an optimized energy efficiency ηHYB can be selected individually or in addition to at least one driving mode of boat 20 selected before. In particular, the driving mode at an optimized energy efficiency ηHYB allows optimizing the energy consumption of the power controlled motor 21. In order to ensure the respect of the driving modes of boat 20, the electronic system 10 comprises means 12 for controlling the power controlled motor 21 on the basis of the selected driving mode of the boat and on the typical parameters of the wind conditions and of the motion conditions of the boat detected by the first plurality of sensors 23; such means 12 for controlling the power controlled motor 21 are connected to the central processing and control unit 11.

In particular, the means 12 for controlling motor 21 are capable of generating a power request signal PP for the power controlled motor 21 on the basis of the typical parameters of the wind conditions and of the motion conditions of boat 20 detected by the first plurality of sensors 23 and of the value of the minimum navigation speed VMN′, VMNG set by the user.

Preferably, such means 12 for controlling the power controlled motor 21 comprise regulators PID or linear optimal regulators or non linear regulators.

The electronic system 10 also comprises means for energy optimization 16 connected to the central processing and control unit 11 and coupled with the power controlled motor 21.

The means 12 for controlling motor 21 and the means for energy optimization 16 are capable of communicating with each other by interposition of the central processing and control unit 11 or through a dedicated connection.

The means for energy optimization 16, moreover, are capable of operating on the power controlled motor 21 along with the means 12 for controlling the same motor 21, in order to ensure the respect of the driving modes at guaranteed minimum navigation time TMN, at guaranteed minimum travel distance DMN and at optimized energy efficiency of the power controlled motor 21.

In detail, such means for energy optimization 16 generate a regulated power request signal PPR on the basis of the typical parameters of the wind conditions and of the motion conditions of the boat detected by the first plurality of sensors 23, of the selected driving mode of boat 20 and of the energy capacity CBAT, CFUEL of the power controlled motor 21. Such energy capacity CBAT, CFUEL refers to the charge state CBAT of a battery of an electric motor and/or to the energy capacity of a fuel tank CFUEL of a thermal motor, according to the nature of the power controlled motor 21.

The detection of the energy capacity CBAT, CFUEL of the power controlled motor 21 is carried out by the electronic system 10 for controlling the propulsion modes of a boat through a second plurality of sensors 19 connected to the central processing and control unit 11.

In the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2, the electronic system 10 advantageously comprises a selector block 15 connected to the central processing and control unit 11 and to the power controlled motor 21.

In that case, the electronic system 10 for controlling the propulsion modes of a boat is advantageously applied to a boat 20 provided with a motor 21 that comprises an electric motor provided with the electric power generator functionality. Such power controlled motor 21 therefore is an electric motor or a hybrid thermal-electric motor wherein an electric motor is present, provided with a charge generator, preferably hydro-dynamic. The selector block 15 is capable of selectively actuating the propulsion or the generation function of the electric motor comprised within the power controlled motor 21, if the selected driving mode is the driving mode at minimum speed of generation VMG. In the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 3, the electronic system 10 for controlling the propulsion modes of a boat also comprises means for regulating the sails 17 and/or control means of the centreboard 18 respectively coupled with the group of sails 22 and with the mobile centreboard 24 of boat 20, as well as both with the central processing and control unit 11. In that case, the electronic system 10 is capable of optimising the propulsive effect of the group of sails 22, modifying the configuration of the same, and the position of centreboard 24, on the basis of the detected wind conditions.

Method 100 for controlling the propulsion modes of a boat comprises a first measurement step that consists in detecting 101 a plurality of typical wind parameters through the first plurality of sensors 23.

In such measurement step 101, the processing and control unit 11 receives the data relating to the detection of speed AWS and the incidence angle AWA of the apparent wind and of speed BS of boat 20 and it calculates the actual speed TWS and the actual direction TWA of the wind.

Thereafter, an observation step is provided wherein the processing and control unit 11 verifies 102 whether the plurality of parameters typical of the wind conditions so detected satisfies a predetermined set of extreme conditions for hoisting or lowering the group of sails 22.

In particular, in such observation step it is verified that the actual speed TWS of the wind is greater than a preset minimum value TWSMN and that the direction, expressed in terms of an incidence angle of the wind TWA, is comprised within a present range of angles [TWAMN1, TWAMN2].

After the observation step 102, a step is provided consisting in generating 103 a signal for warning the user and/or for actuating the control means of the group of sails 22, if provided, for hoisting or lowering the group of sails 22.

When the group of sails 22 is hoisted, method 100 for controlling the propulsion modes of a boat comprises a step that consists in selecting 104 at least one driving mode of boat 20 from a plurality of driving modes of boat 20.

According to the present invention, after such selection step 104, the method for controlling the propulsion modes of a boat comprises a step consisting in controlling 110 the power controlled motor 21 on the basis of the selected driving mode of the boat and of the typical parameters of the wind conditions and of the motion conditions of the boat detected by the first plurality of sensors 23.

If the driving mode at guaranteed minimum navigation speed VMNG is selected, method 100 for controlling the propulsion modes of a boat comprises the steps (not shown) that consist in setting the value of the guaranteed minimum speed VMNG, detecting the navigation speed BS of boat 20 through the first plurality of sensors.

In that case, moreover, method 100 comprises a step wherein the central processing and control unit 11 compares 111 the navigation speed BS of boat 20 and the guaranteed minimum speed VMNG. If the navigation speed BS of boat 20 is lower than the guaranteed minimum speed VMNG, the control step 110 of the power controlled motor 21 comprises generating 112 a power request signal PP for the power controlled motor 21 on the basis of the current value of the parameters typical of the wind conditions.

In detail, the power request signal PP may be better defined as the combination of a request signal of torque TP and rotation speed of shaft WP of the power controlled motor 21, so that PP=TP·WP. Such power request signal PP stimulates motor 21 to supply the power required for reaching the guaranteed minimum navigation speed VMNG.

If the navigation speed BS of boat 20 is greater than the guaranteed minimum navigation speed VMNG, the control step 110 of the power controlled motor 21 comprises minimizing 113 the energy consumption of the power controlled motor 21 through the energy optimization means 16.

In particular, if the power controlled motor 21 comprises an electric motor, the minimization step 113 of the energy consumption consists in turning off said electric motor.

Differently, if the power controlled motor 21 comprises a thermal motor, the minimization step 113 of the energy consumption consists in ensuring a minimum rotation speed of shaft WPMN of the thermal motor.

It is worth stressed that keeping the minimum rotation speed WPMN of the thermal motor also implies that in the conditions wherein the sail propulsion generates enough power, the navigation speed BS of boat 20 shall be greater than the guaranteed minimum speed VMNG due to the concurrent sail and thermal propulsion.

If the power controlled motor 21 comprises an electric motor with generator functionalities and the driving modes at guaranteed minimum navigation speed VMNG and at minimum speed of electric power generation VMG are selected, method 100 for controlling the propulsion modes of a boat further comprises the steps (not shown) consisting in setting the value of the minimum speed of generation VMG and in comparing such speed VMG with the navigation speed BS of boat 20.

In that case, if the navigation speed BS of boat 20 is greater than the minimum speed of electric power generation VMG, the control step 110 of the power controlled motor 21 comprises actuating (not shown) the generator functionality of the electric motor through the selector block 15.

On the contrary, if the navigation speed BS of boat 20 is lower than the minimum speed of electric power generation VMG and greater than the guaranteed minimum speed VMNG, the selector block 15 turns off the electric machine.

If the driving mode at guaranteed minimum navigation time TMN is selected, method 100 for controlling the propulsion modes of a boat comprises the steps (not shown) consisting in setting the value of the guaranteed minimum navigation time VMNG and the value of a minimum navigation speed VMN′.

Below, the energy capacity CBAT, CFUEL (not shown) of the power controlled motor 21 through the second plurality of sensors 19 is determined, and the coherence of the values of minimum speed VMN′ and of guaranteed minimum time TMN set is checked 131 with respect to such energy capacity CBAT, CFUEL detected. In detail, the coherence checking step 131 provides for verifying the following disequation:

∫₀ ^(TMN) TP*WPdt≦(CBAT,CFUEL)

wherein TP and WP are generated by the control means 12 of the power controlled motor 21 on the basis of the detected typical parameters of the wind and of the motion conditions of boat 20 and of the value of the minimum navigation speed VMN′ set.

In case of a positive result of such coherence checking step 131, the control step 110 of the power controlled motor 21 comprises generating 133 a power request signal regulated PPR on the basis of the plurality of parameters typical of the wind conditions, of the value of the guaranteed minimum navigation time TMN and of the energy capacity CBAT, CFUEL of motor 21.

In detail, such regulated power request signal PPR is generated by the energy optimization means 16.

In case of a negative result of the coherence checking step 131 or if the values of the guaranteed minimum navigation times TMN and of the minimum navigation speed VMN′ generate a request of torque TP and of rotation speed of shaft WP that motor 21 cannot meet in light of the energy capacity CBAT, CFUEL detected, the control step 110 of the power controlled motor 21 comprises reducing 132 the value of the minimum navigation speed VMN′ until the coherence checking step has a positive result.

If the driving mode at guaranteed minimum travelled distance DMN is selected, method 100 for controlling the propulsion modes of a boat comprises the steps (not shown) consisting in setting the value of the guaranteed minimum travelled distance DMN and the value of a minimum navigation speed VMN′.

Below, the energy capacity CBAT, CFUEL (not shown) of the power controlled motor 21 through the second plurality of sensors 19 is determined, and the consistency of the values of minimum speed VMN′ and of guaranteed minimum distance DMN set is checked with respect to such energy capacity CBAT, CFUEL detected. In case of a positive result of such coherence checking step 131, the control step 110 of the power controlled motor 21 comprises generating 133 (not shown) a regulated power request signal PPR on the basis of the plurality of parameters typical of the wind conditions, of the value of the guaranteed minimum distance DMN and of the energy capacity CBAT, CFUEL of motor 21. In detail, such power request signal regulated PPR is generated by the energy optimization means 16.

In case of a negative result of the coherence checking step or if the values of the guaranteed minimum travelled distance DMN and of the minimum navigation speed VMN′ generate a request of torque TP and of rotation speed of shaft WP that motor 21 cannot meet in light of the detected energy capacity CBAT, CFUEL, the control step 110 of the power controlled motor 21 comprises reducing 132 (not shown) the value of the minimum navigation speed VMN′ until the coherence checking step has a positive result.

If the driving mode at optimized energy efficiency of the power controlled motor 21 ηHYB is selected, method 100 for controlling the propulsion of a boat additionally comprises an optimization step (not shown) wherein the energy optimization means 16 maximize efficiency ηHYB of the hybrid thermal-electric motor in light of the typical parameters of the wind conditions and of the motion conditions of the boat detected by the first plurality of sensors 23 and by the energy capacity CBAT, CFUEL of the motor.

By way of an example, the equation system is shown whereon the above procedure of efficiency maximization ηHYB is based if the driving time at guaranteed minimum navigation time TMN and the driving mode at optimized energy efficiency ηHYB are selected.

${\eta \; {HYB}} = \frac{1}{{\sigma \; {C/\eta}\; {E\left( {{TP},{WP}} \right)}} + {{\left\lbrack {1 - {\sigma \; C}} \right\rbrack/\eta}\; {T\left( {{TP},{WP}} \right)}}}$ ${\underset{\sigma \; C}{\arg \mspace{14mu} \min}\mspace{14mu} {J\left( {{\sigma \; C},{TP},{WP}} \right)}} = {\int_{0}^{TMN}{\left( {1 - {\eta \; {HYB}}} \right)^{2}\ {t}}}$ BS(σ C, TP, WP) ≥ VMN ${TMN} = \frac{DMN}{VMN}$ ∫₀^(TMN)[1 − σ C] * TP * WP t ≤ CFUEL ∫₀^(TMN)σ C * TP * WP t ≤ CBAT

wherein σC is a control signal that defines the actuation of the electric propulsion (σC=1) or of the thermal propulsion (σC=0), ηE(TP, WP) is the efficiency of the electric machine function of parameters TP and WP required by the means 12 for controlling the power controlled motor 21, ηT(TP, WP) is the efficiency of the thermal machine function of parameters TP and WP and J(σC, TP, WP) is a target function to be minimized.

The features of the method and of the electronic system object of the invention as well as the relevant advantages are clear from the above description.

In fact, the method for controlling the propulsion modes of a boat according to the present invention allows knowing, in a deterministic manner, the moment when the propulsive force of the wind can be used in an advantageous manner in order to reduce the motor energy consumptions.

Moreover, the propulsion control and the energy optimization made on the basis of the selected driving modes of the boat, of the typical parameters of the wind detected, as well as the energy capacity of the boat motor, allows integrating the propulsive force deriving from the wind with that of the motor, leading to significant savings in consumptions, as well as a very quiet navigation.

Finally, it is clear that several changes and variations may be made to the method and the electronic system thus conceived, all falling within the invention; moreover, all details can be replaced with technically equivalent elements. In the practice, the materials used as well as the sizes, can be whatever, according to the technical needs. 

1. A method for controlling the propulsion modes of a boat of the type comprising a power controlled motor, a group of sails and a first plurality of sensors of the wind conditions and of the motion conditions of said boat, said method being characterized in that it comprises the phases consisting of: detecting a plurality of parameters typical of the wind conditions by means of said first plurality of sensors; verifying whether the plurality of parameters typical of the wind conditions so detected satisfies a predetermined set of extreme conditions for hoisting and lowering said group of sails; selecting at least a driving mode of said boat, chosen from a plurality of driving modes of said boat, when said group of sails is hoisted; controlling said power controlled motor on the basis of the selected driving mode of said boat.
 2. The method for controlling the propulsion modes of a boat according to claim 1, characterized in that said plurality of parameters typical of the wind conditions comprises the actual speed of the wind and the angle of incidence of the wind, and in that said predetermined set of extreme conditions comprises a minimum value of the actual speed of the wind and a range of variability of the angle of incidence of the wind comprised between a minimum value and a maximum value.
 3. The method or controlling the propulsion modes of a boat according to claim 1, characterized in that, after said verification phase and before said selection phase, also comprises a phase consisting in generating a signal for warning a user and/or for actuating control means of said group of sails for hoisting or lowering said group of sails.
 4. The method for controlling the propulsion modes of a boat according to claim 1, characterized in that said plurality of driving modes of said boat comprises at least: a driving mode at a guaranteed minimum navigation speed; a driving mode at a guaranteed minimum navigation time; a driving mode at a guaranteed minimum travel distance.
 5. The method for controlling the propulsion modes of a boat according to claim 4, characterized in that, in case said power controlled motor comprises an electric motor with generator functionality, said driving plurality of modes of said boat also comprises a driving mode with a minimum speed of electric power generation wherein said minimum speed of electric power generation is greater than said guaranteed minimum navigation speed.
 6. The method for controlling the propulsion modes of a boat according to claim 4, characterized in that, in case said power controlled motor be of the hybrid thermal-electric type, said plurality of driving modes of said boat also comprises a driving mode at an optimized energy efficiency of said power controlled motor.
 7. The method for controlling the propulsion modes of a boat according to claim 4, characterized in that, in case said selected driving mode be said driving mode at a guaranteed minimum navigation speed, it comprises the steps consisting on: setting the value of said guaranteed minimum navigation speed; detecting the navigation speed of said boat by means of said first plurality of sensors; comparing the detected navigation speed of said boat with said set guaranteed minimum navigation speed; wherein if the detected navigation speed of said boat is lower than said set guaranteed minimum navigation speed, said control step of said power controlled motor comprises generating a power request signal for said power controlled motor on the basis of the current value of the parameters typical of the wind conditions.
 8. The method for controlling the propulsion modes of a boat according to claim 7, characterized in that, if the detected navigation speed of said boat is greater than said set guaranteed minimum navigation speed, said control step of said power controlled motor comprises minimizing the energy consumption of said power controlled motor.
 9. The method for controlling the propulsion modes of a boat according to claim 8, characterized in that when said power controlled motor comprises an electric motor, said minimizing consists in turning off said electric motor, and in that, when said power controlled motor comprises a thermal motor, said minimizing consists in guaranteeing a minimum rotation speed of the shaft of said thermal motor.
 10. The method for controlling the propulsion modes of a boat according to claim 5, characterized in that it also comprises the steps consisting in: setting the value of said minimum speed of electric power generation; comparing the detected navigation speed of said boat with said minimum speed of electric power generation; wherein if the navigation speed of said boat is greater than the minimum speed of electric power generation, said control step of said power controlled motor comprises actuating the generator functionality of said electric motor.
 11. The method for controlling the propulsion modes of a boat according to claim 4, characterized in that, in case said selected driving mode be said driving mode at a guaranteed minimum navigation time, it comprises the steps consisting in: setting the value of said guaranteed minimum navigation time; setting a value of a minimum navigation speed; detecting the energy capacity of said power controlled motor by means of a second plurality of sensors; controlling the coherence of the values of said guaranteed minimum navigation time and of the minimum navigation speed set with respect to the detected energy capacity; wherein, in case of a positive result of the coherence control, said control step of said power controlled motor, comprises generating a power request signal regulated on the basis of said plurality of parameters typical of the wind conditions, of the value of said guaranteed minimum navigation time and of said energy capacity.
 12. The method for controlling the propulsion modes of a boat according to claim 4, characterized in that, in case said set driving mode be said driving mode at a guaranteed minimum travelled distance, it comprises the steps consisting in: setting the value of said guaranteed minimum travel distance; setting a value of a minimum navigation speed; detecting the energy capacity of said power controlled motor by means of a second plurality of sensors; controlling the coherence of the values of said guaranteed minimum travel distance and of minimum navigation speed set with respect to the detected energy capacity; wherein, in case of a positive result of the coherence control, said control step of said power controlled motor comprises generating a power request signal regulated on the basis of said plurality of parameters typical of the wind conditions, of the value of said guaranteed minimum travel distance and of said energy capacity.
 13. An electronic system for controlling the propulsion modes of a boat of the type provided with a power controlled motor, a group of sails and a first plurality of sensors of the wind conditions and of the motion conditions of said boat, said electronic system being characterized in that it comprises: a central processing and control unit connected to said first plurality of sensors, means for memorizing a plurality of driving modes of said boat connected to said central processing and control unit, interface means for a user connected to said central processing and control unit for selecting at least one driving mode of said boat from said plurality of driving modes of said boat, means for generating a signal for warning a user and/or for actuating control means of said group of sails for hoisting or lowering said group of sails, connected to said central processing and control unit; means for controlling said power controlled motor on the basis of the selected driving mode of the boat and of the parameters typical of the wind conditions and of the motion conditions of said boat detected by said first plurality of sensors, said means for controlling being connected to said central processing and control unit.
 14. The electronic system for controlling the propulsion modes of a boat of the type provided with a power controlled motor according to claim 13, wherein said power controlled motor comprises an electric motor with generator functionality, characterized in that it also comprises a selector block, coupled with said power controlled motor and with said processing and control unit, said selector block being capable of selectively actuating the propulsion or generation function of said electric motor.
 15. The electronic system for controlling the propulsion modes of a boat of the type provided with a power controlled motor according to claim 13, characterized in that it also comprises means for the energy optimization connected to said central processing and control unit and coupled with said power controlled motor.
 16. The electronic system for controlling the propulsion modes of a boat of the type provided with a power controlled motor according to claim 15, characterized in that it also comprises a second plurality of sensors of the energy capacity of said power controlled motor, connected to said central processing and control unit.
 17. The electronic system for controlling the propulsion modes of a boat according to claim 13, wherein said boat comprises a mobile centreboard, characterized in that it also comprises means for regulating the sails and/or control means of the centreboard coupled with said group of sails and with said mobile centreboard of said boat respectively, said means for regulating the sails and said control means of the centreboard being coupled with said central processing and control unit. 